EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Grand Rapids Ballet, Michigan’s premiere ballet company, is seeking a collaborative, driven, and detail-obsessed Manager of Marketing & Communications to lead the organization’s sales, branding, and audience engagement efforts. This role blends creativity with logistics — perfect for someone who thrives in both strategic planning and hands-on execution. The ideal candidate is a master communicator, adept at managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.

POSITION: Marketing & Communications Manager
DEPARTMENT: Grand Rapids Ballet
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
SALARY: $52,000-$60,000
POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
LOCATION: In-person: 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project & Production Management

  • Own the full lifecycle of marketing deliverables, including performance programs, print materials, signage, and advertising assets.
  • Ensure timely delivery by managing schedules, deadlines, and approvals — especially around strict print and production timelines.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with external marketing and design vendors; oversee project scopes, timelines, and deliverables.

Digital Communications & Content Creation

  • Develop, write, and manage all digital communications, including email marketing, newsletters, and website updates.
  • Create and curate engaging visual and written content for social media channels.
  • Produce or coordinate digital assets, including promotional graphics, video content, and photography.

Digital Communications & Content Creation

  • Manage the planning, execution, and analysis of multi-channel marketing campaigns for performances, education programs, and special events.
  • Drive patron engagement and ticket sales through compelling messaging, consistent branding, and audience segmentation.

Media Relations & Brand Communications

  • Write and distribute press releases, media alerts, and promotional copy.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media contacts; serve as primary press liaison.
  • Ensure consistent voice, style, and tone across all public-facing materials.

Collaboration & Internal Communications

  • Provide direction and management of projects for marketing contributors; the GRB School Administrator and the GRB Executive Administrator
  • Work closely with artistic, development, education, and production staff to align messaging and support cross-departmental initiatives.
  • Attend rehearsals, events, and performances to gather content and strengthen organizational storytelling.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
  • Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in a marketing or communications role, preferably within the arts, nonprofit, or cultural sector.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.
  • Strong copywriting, editing, and proofreading skills.
  • High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign and Photoshop) Canva, email marketing platforms (Klaviyo or similar), and social media scheduling tools.
  • Experience with website CMS platforms (WordPress) and basic analytics tools (Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite).
  • Collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset with outstanding attention to detail and follow-through.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES:

  • Passion for the performing arts, specifically dance, and a genuine appreciation for the mission of Grand Rapids Ballet to uplift the human spirit through the art of dance.
  • Creative problem solver with a proactive approach to challenges.
  • Positive, flexible attitude and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible environment for students, faculty, and staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • This position requires flexible scheduling, and can require evening and weekend attendance at performances and events
  • Valid driver’s license

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume to Mary Jennings at maryj@grballet.com.

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